Method of improving sexual response and sensitivity

ABSTRACT

Pharmaceutical preparations include at least one component that enhances sexual response and at least one other compound that enhances sexual sensitivity and pleasure. The component that enhances sexual response enhances blood flow to the genital region. Examples include compounds that dilate blood vessels, such as compounds that increase the amount of nitric oxide (NO) in the blood. The component that enhances sexual sensitivity and pleasure includes one or more cannabinoid compounds from the plant genus  Cannabis . Examples include tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive constituent of  Cannabis , and cannabidiol (CBD), which is less or non-psychoactive and modulates THC activity. The ratio of THC/CBD can be selected depending on age, gender, physical health, and/or psychological condition of the user.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This Application is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/538,527, filed Nov. 11, 2014, which claims the benefit of U.S. Prov.App. Ser. No. 61/902,501, filed Nov. 11, 2013, the disclosures of whichare incorporated herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention is in the field of pharmaceutical preparations,particularly those for sexual enhancement in men, women, the disabled,and the aged.

2. Relevant Technology

There are a variety of health issues that can impact the ability ordesire to engage in intimate sexual relations, which form a healthy partof adult relationships. These include sexual dysfunction in men andwomen and a loss of sensitivity and pleasure. The inability to performand/or lack of desire to engage in sexual relations can detrimentallyimpact a relationship and can lead to divorce, breakup, or long-termboredom. It can lead to loss of self-esteem or even mental illness.

Men are more likely than women to have threshold desire to have sex,which is both a physical and psychological need, and are therefore morelikely to initiate sex with a partner. When a man is extremely stressed,anxious or insecure, however, his ability to perform can also beinhibited physically (temporary erectile dysfunction). Older or sick mencan suffer chronic erectile dysfunction (“ED”), which can be completelyincapacitating relative to ability to perform. Particularly as men ageand/or if suffering from chronic illness, they can experience lack ofthreshold desire, loss of sensitivity, loss of pleasure and/ordifficulty in climaxing. At the opposite end of the spectrum ispremature ejaculation which, while not preventing performance, canseverely curtail duration and satisfaction for both participants.

In women, sexual dysfunction is more complex and difficult to define butcan involve lack of threshold desire, loss of sensitivity, loss ofpleasure and/or inability to climax. Emotional and psychological sexualdysfunction is more common among women, which is probably the mainreason many women never achieve orgasm during sex. They get stuck in arut emotionally and mentally. There are many studies that show thatwomen commonly have very real insecurities about body image and carrytheir stresses and anxieties of life with them into the bedroom. Theseinsecurities and stresses greatly impact the mood-factor (emotional andpsychological state) and inhibit physiological arousal, such asdecreased blood flow to the clitoris and labia, often making orgasmunattainable.

Compared to men, women have more complex emotions that can be barriersto threshold desire. Women are more sensitive sexually to theirinsecurities, stresses, and anxieties than men. Books and commentatorshave been known to say: “sex is much more emotional for women than men.”Also, men often view sex as a way to release and reduce stress andtension. In contrast, women often identify sex with increased stress andanxiety, particularly women who both work outside the home and raisechildren. Examples of hypothetical stresses include: “I'm not in themood.” “I'm stressed or tired from work, the kids, play dates, managingthe household, dirty dishes.” “Really? We're doing this now, etc.?” So,sex can becomes another item on an already stressful checklist. Examplesof hypothetical anxieties include: “I'm not in the mood.” “I think I'veput on a few pounds.” “My butt doesn't look good.” “I feel bloated andhormonal.” “Will I be able to perform for my partner, act sufficientlyinterested, be interested, etc.?”

While there are drugs (e.g., Viagra®, Cialis® and Levitra®) that canremedy ED and permit men to perform sexually, they generally do notrestore lost sensitivity, diminished enjoyment, or difficulty inclimaxing. Such drugs are generally ineffective for women because theydo not adequately address issues involving lack of threshold desire,loss of sensitivity, loss of pleasure or inability to climax (i.e.,because they do virtually nothing to address powerful psychologicalforces affecting women).

In fact, the main reason physiological enhancers for women on the markettoday do not work is because none addresses the mood-factor. Unlike men,who feel buildup of semen and equate it with sexual tension and need tofind sexual release, the trigger for women to desire sex is typicallynot physical but psychological and strongly correlated with mood andself-image. Their emotional and psychological state can actually dictatephysiological response, arousal and performance significantly more thanin men. And while men are notorious finishers during sex, women are notso prone (50% reportedly never achieving orgasm during sex). This isgenerally not due to a lack of physical stimulation but rather emotionalbarriers or inhibitions. Only enhancing the physiological response inwomen cannot address an inability to reach climax.

Many of the foregoing problems are particularly acute in men and womenwho suffer from physical ailments and/or age-related conditions thatcause sexual dysfunction and/or lack of desire and enjoyment. Again, itmust be emphasized that performance does not necessarily coincide withnormal enjoyment of sexual relations. Drugs that only address lack ofperformance but fail to address diminished desire, sensitivity andpleasure are incomplete solutions.

While there are herbal supplements that purport to address some or allof the foregoing issues, there remains a long-felt but unmet need tofind compositions that effectively and reliably addresses diminishedperformance while also increasing desire, sensitivity and enjoyment.

SUMMARY

The present invention relates to pharmaceutical preparations and relatedmethods of manufacture and use for enhancing various aspects of sexualactivity. To accomplish these results the pharmaceutical preparationsinclude a combination of: (1) one or more cannabinoid compounds derivedfrom the plant genus Cannabis, which are included in an amount and/or ina ratio so as to enhance sexual pleasure (e.g., threshold desire,sensitivity and/or enjoyment); and (2) one or more compounds thatenhance blood flow to the genital region in order to enhance sexualresponse (e.g., ability to perform and/or time to arousal). Thecombination results in increased ability to perform and enjoyment ofintimate sexual activities by men and women.

According to several embodiments, the pharmaceutical preparations can bedelivered in a manner so that the time of enhanced sexual response andsexual pleasure coincide or complement each other (i.e., so that bothare present at the same time at least some of the time). Methods ofdelivery include oral delivery, topical delivery, injection, inhalation,or combinations thereof. Advantageously, the components of thepharmaceutical preparations can be delivered together in a single modeof delivery for simplicity and proper dosage (e.g., in a combined oralpreparation or a topical preparation). Alternatively, the components ofthe pharmaceutical preparations can be pre-packaged in a kit anddelivered individually, whether simultaneously or sequentially.

According to several embodiments, the one or more cannabinoid compoundsderived from the plant genus Cannabis include at least two cannabinoidcompounds that are included in amounts and/or ratios in order to addressa particular condition being treated. By way of example, it has beenfound that persons (men or women) suffering from lack of thresholddesire, sensitivity, pleasure and/or ability to climax can benefit frompreparations that have a relatively higher quantity or ratio oftetrahydrocannabinol (THC) as compared to cannabidiol (CBD) (e.g., morethan 2:1 THC/CBD). Alternatively, persons suffering from prematureejaculation (men), or who are prone to nervousness or anxiety whenengaging in sexual activity (men or women), can benefit frompreparations that have a relatively lower quantity THC/CBD ratio (e.g.,less than 0.5:1 THC/CBD). Persons with normal sexual response canbenefit from an intermediate THC/CBD ratio (e.g., between 0.5:1 to 2:1THC/CBD).

As discussed above, women can have very real insecurities about bodyimage and carry stresses and anxieties into the bedroom. Similarly, whena man is extremely stressed, anxious or insecure, his ability to performsexually can also be inhibited physically. Insecurities and stresses cangreatly impact emotional and psychological state and inhibitphysiological arousal, often making sex impossible for the man and/ororgasm unattainable for the woman. However, by addressing both themood-factor (emotional and psychological state) and blood flow to thegenitalia, physical arousal occurs easier and more naturally, whichpermits awareness and focus to shift to sensuality, sexual sensitivity,and sexual stimulation, enhancing sexual pleasure for both men andwomen, and promoting orgasms and sometimes multiple orgasms.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Disclosed herein are pharmaceutical preparations that include at leastone compound that enhances sexual pleasure and at least one othercompound that enhances sexual response. Also disclosed are methods ofmanufacturing and using such pharmaceutical preparations.

The term “sexual pleasure” can include a variety of physiological and/orpsychological aspects or conditions that affect the amount of enjoymentof sexual activity. Examples include, but are not limited to, thresholddesire to commence sexual activity, physical sensitivity during sexualactivity, psychological pleasure or awareness during sexual activity,ability to reach climax, amount of pleasure leading up to climax,quality of climax, duration of climax, and the like.

The term “sexual response” can include a variety of physiological and/orpsychological aspects that affect the ability to perform sexualactivities. In men, the most common condition is the inability toachieve or maintain an erection. In women, conditions that inhibitsexual response are more varied and complex but include, for example,inability or delay in becoming aroused while being kissed or touched inerogenous zones. In many cases such inability can be more psychologicalrather than physiological.

According to several embodiments, the one or more compounds that enhancesexual pleasure (“pleasure-enhancing component”) include one or morecannabinoid compounds from the plant genus Cannabis. Examples ofcannabinoid compounds include tetrahydrocannabinol (“THC”), which is asubgenus of several different isomers having different chiral centersand is the main psychoactive constituent of Cannabis; cannabidiol(“CBD”), which is less or perhaps even non-psychoactive but may blockcertain effects of THC in the nervous system, cannabinol (“CBN”),tetrahydrocannabivarin (“THCV”), and cannabigerol (“CBG”). Examples ofsynthesized cannabinoids include dronabinol (Marinol) (a pure isomer ofTHC, (−)-trans-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, which is the main isomer foundin cannabis) and nabilone (a synthetic racemic mixture consisting of the(S,S) and the (R,R) isomers of THC).

Without being bound to any particular theory, it is postulated thatpharmaceutical preparations that have higher quantities of THC have amore excitatory effect on the central nervous system whilepharmaceutical preparations that have lower quantities of THC and/orhigher quantities of CBD can have a more calming effect. Selecting theoptimal combination of excitatory and calming effects can beadvantageous in treating a particular sexual dysfunction.

Accordingly, optimal results can be achieved when the pharmaceuticalpreparation includes at least two cannabinoid compounds that areincluded in amounts and/or ratios in order to address a particularcondition being treated. It should be understood that Cannabis plantstypically have dozens of cannabinoids and that the THC/CBD ratiosexpressed herein may work best when a substantial quantity (e.g., mostor all) of the cannabinoid compounds found in Cannabis plants areincluded. In fact, the THC/CBD ratios may, in at least some cases, be aproxy for the ratio of other cannabinoid compounds found in a particularCannabis species.

By way of illustration, it has been found that persons (men or women)suffering from lack of threshold desire, sensitivity, pleasure and/orability to climax can benefit from preparations that have a relativelyhigher quantity or ratio of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) as compared tocannabidiol (CBD). Such preparations may be euphemistically called “highexcitement preparations” (or “amplifying preparations”).

Alternatively, persons suffering from premature ejaculation (men) or whoare prone to nervousness or anxiety when engaging in sexual activity(men or women) can benefit from preparations that have a relativelylower quantity or ratio of THC as compared to CBD (or higher ratio ofCBD to THC). Such preparations may be euphemistically called “calmingpreparations” (or “stabilizing preparations”).

In yet other cases, people who do not suffer from any particularcondition but nevertheless wish to enhance sexual experience can benefitfrom preparations that have a balanced quantity or ratio of THC ascompared to CBD. Such preparations may be euphemistically called“intermediate preparations” (or “balanced preparations”).

According to several embodiments, the quantity of THC in amplifyingpreparations can be in a range of about 50 to 500 mg per dose, or about75 to 400 mg per dose, or about 100 to 300 mg per dose. To complementthe THC, the quantity of CBD in amplifying preparations can be in arange of about 10 to 250 mg per dose, or about 15 to 200 mg per dose, orabout 25 to 150 mg per dose. The ratio of THC to CDB in amplifyingpreparations can be at least about 2:1 THC/CBD, or in a range of about2:1 to 25:1 THC/CBD, or about 3:1 to 20:1 THC/CBD, or about 4:1 to about15:1 THC/CBD.

According to several embodiments, the quantity of THC in stabilizingpreparations can be in a range of about 10 to 250 mg per dose, or about15 to 200 mg per dose, or about 25 to 150 mg per dose. To complement theTHC, the quantity of CBD in stabilizing preparations can be in a rangeof about 50 to 500 mg per dose, or about 75 to 400 mg per dose, or about100 to 300 mg per dose. The ratio of THC to CDB in stabilizingpreparations can be less than or equal to about 0.5:1 THC/CBD. Statedanother way, the ratio of CBD to THC can be at least about 2:1 CBD/THC,or in a range of about 0.5:1 to 25:1 CBD/THC, or about 3:1 to 20:1CBD/THC, or about 4:1 to about 15:1 CBD/THC.

According to several embodiments, the quantity of THC in balancedpreparations can be in a range of about 25 to 400 mg per dose, or about50 to 300 mg per dose, or about 75 to 250 mg per dose. To complement theTHC, the quantity of CBD in balanced preparations can be in a range of25 to 400 mg per dose, or about 50 to 300 mg per dose, or about 75 to250 mg per dose. The ratio of THC to CDB in balanced preparations can bein a range of about 0.1:1 to 10:1 THC/CBD, or about 0.25:1 to 5:1THC/CBD, or about 0.5:1 to about 2:1 THC/CBD.

While pharmaceutical preparations can fall within the meaning of anamplifying preparation, stabilizing preparation, or balancedpreparation, it will be understood that these are merely euphemistic orarbitrary categories created for the purpose of teaching generalprinciples regarding how to manufacture a preparation designed to treatone or more particular conditions. Nevertheless, preparations mayinclude amounts and/or ratios of cannabinoid compounds in order to havea desired balance between excitement and stabilization. In many cases.the preparations may be formulated to both excite and stabilize. Therelative degrees of excitement and stabilization can be selected for aspecific condition or gender.

It turns out there are different strains of Cannabis which includediffering amounts and/or ratios of the various cannabinoid compounds.For example, Cannabis sativa typically has a relatively high THC/CBDratio. Conversely, Cannabis indica has a relative low THC/CBD ratiocompared to Cannabis sativa (although the absolute amount of THC can behigher in Cannabis indica than in Cannabis sativa). There are alsoseveral hybrid varieties or strains of Cannabis sativa and Cannabisindica that have intermediate amounts and/or ratios of cannabinoidcompounds. The amounts and/or ratios of cannabinoid compounds can changedepending on the maturity of the plant, how the plant was grown, amountof artificial or natural light, climate, nutrients, and plant partsbeing used. In general, the buds and leaves have the highest quantitiesof cannabinoid compounds, while the stems and seeds have the lowest. Inaddition, the leaves, stems and seeds can have lower THC/CBD ratio thanthe buds of the same plant.

According to several embodiments, a single strain or variety of Cannabiscan be used as the source of cannabinoid compounds in a givenpharmaceutical preparation. By way of example, amplifying preparationscan be made by extracting cannabinoid compounds from Cannabis sativa orhybrids of Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica which are dominant towardCannabis sativa. Conversely, stabilizing preparations can be made byextracting cannabinoid compounds from Cannabis indica or hybrids ofCannabis sativa and Cannabis indica which are more dominant towardCannabis indica. Balanced preparations can be made by extractingcannabinoid compounds from hybrids of Cannabis sativa and Cannabisindica which are more balanced between THC and CBD (i.e., there is lessdominance of one over the other as compared to hybrids used to makeeither amplifying or stabilizing preparations).

According to other embodiments, multiple strains or varieties ofCannabis can be used as sources of the cannabinoid compounds in a givenpharmaceutical preparation. By way of example, amplifying preparationscan be made by extracting cannabinoid compounds from both Cannabissativa and Cannabis indica, wherein the quantity of Cannabis sativa issubstantially higher. Alternatively, amplifying preparations can be madeby extracting cannabinoid compounds from Cannabis sativa and one or morehybrids of Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica, such as those which aredominant toward Cannabis sativa.

Similarly, stabilizing preparations can be made by extractingcannabinoid compounds from both Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica,wherein the quantity of Cannabis indica is higher. Alternatively,amplifying preparations can be made by extracting cannabinoid compoundsfrom Cannabis indica and one or more hybrids of Cannabis sativa andCannabis indica, such as those which are dominant toward Cannabisindica. In addition, leaves, stems and seeds of Cannabis sativa cannaturally have a lower THC/CBD than buds of the same plant.

Balanced preparations can be made by extracting cannabinoid compoundsfrom both Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica, wherein the quantities ofCannabis indica and Cannabis indica are similar. Alternatively, balancedpreparations can be made by extracting cannabinoid compounds fromhybrids of Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica, such as one or more thatis dominant toward Cannabis sativa and one or more that is dominanttoward Cannabis indica.

Examples of Cannabis sativa dominant strains include Santa Maria, AK-47,Malawi gold, Bazooka, Durban Poison, Maui Waui, Early Bud, Early Pearl,Early Skunk Plant, Great White Shark, Green Spirit, Haze, Haze Skunk,Hempstar, Jack Herer, Kali Mist, Ice, LamsBread×Skunk, Leda Uno, Malawigold, Niagra×Shiva, Night Queen, Northern Lights×Haze, Power Plant,Purple Haze, Purple Skunk, Smokey Bear, Silver Haze, Shaman, StrawberryCough, Sweet Island Skunk, Super Silver Haze, Swazi×Skunk, Thai, Voodoo,and White Cloud.

Examples of Cannabis indica dominant strains include Afghani#1, AmstelGold, Bella Caio, Big Bud, Black Domina, Black African, Black Jack,Chitral, Celtic Cross, Celtic Stone, Chronic, DoubleGum, Early Girl,Early Skunk, Eclipse, Euforia, Green Spirit, G-13, Granddaddy Purple,Hawaiian Skunk, Hindu Kush, Holland's Hope, Hypno, HashPlant, JackFlash, K2, Lemon Stinky, Mango, Master Kush, Mazar, Mighty Might,Niagra, Northern Lights, Romulan, Pink Indica, Purple High, PurpleUrkel, Purple Star, Ruderalis Indica, Shiva, Sour Bubble, SouthernAfghani, Super Chrystal, and Twilight.

Examples of more balanced sativa-indica hybrid strains include Blueberrykush, Rainbow Kashmiri, Blue Velvet, Blueberry, BubbleBerry, Bubblegum,Buddha Plant, Cali Orange Plant, Durban Poison×Mighty Might, Flo, FirstMature, Fourway#1, Fruity Pebbles, Full Moon, Jamaican Pearl, JuicyFruit, GrapeFruit Haze, Himalayan Gold, Island Lady, KC-33,Kerala×Skunk, Kushage, Northern Berry, NYC Diesel, Purple#1, PurpleKush, Romberry, Shiva Shanti, Skunk Red Hair, Skunk Passion, Skunk Haze,Swiss Miss, Turtle Power, and White Widow.

The cannabinoid compounds can be extracted from one or more Cannabisplants using known methods, including organic solvent extraction, waterextraction using hot or boiling water, mixed solvents using both anorganic solvent and water, heat vaporization, fractional distillation,and the like. Depending on the method of extraction, the identitiesand/or ratios of cannabinoid compounds can be altered or selected asdesired. In general, extraction is able to provide a betterapproximation of the actual ratios of cannabinoid compounds found in aparticular Cannabis plant as compared to combustion (i.e., smoking).Combustion causes significant destruction of some of the cannabinoidcompounds and can change the THC/CBD ratio.

According to several embodiments, the at least one compound thatenhances sexual response (“response-enhancing component”) includes oneor more compounds that enhance blood flow to the genital region.Examples of response-enhancing components include compounds that dilateblood vessels, such as compounds that increase the amount of nitricoxide (NO) in the blood. These include known pharmaceutical drugs aswell as herbal supplements that have been shown to enhance sexualresponse and improve performance. The response-enhancing component canaddress ED in men and/or physical problems in women that can inhibit ordelay performance, whether from a physical or psychological standpoint.

Specific examples of response-enhancing components include sildenafil(Viagra®), tadalafil (Cialis®), and vardenafil (Levitra®), and herbalsupplements such as L-arginine, Yahimbe Root, Vigorplex®, Tongkat AliExtract, Libidus, Maxidus, Xzen XPress, Xzen Gold, Xzen Platinum, Xzen1200, WOW, Zytenz, Vydexafil, Libido Boost Plus, AI Sports Perform,OxyErect Pro, Noxysurge, VitalKoR, Athletic Edge APE, Axcite Magnum,VirMax, Virilis Pro, Virility-X, XZone, Silver Sword, Stiff Nights,Wood-E, Nite Rider, Royal Dragon Herbal Tonic Balls, Reload, SuperCheetah, Cave Diver, Mojo Risen, Lightning Rod, Zoom-Zooma-Zoom, LoveRider, Ninja Mojo, Rock-it Man, Mojo Nights, EreXite, VMaxx Rx,Firminite, Instant Rock Hard, ZenMaxx, Black Ant, RigiRx Plus, FranceT253, African Black Ant, Man King, ViaXtreme, Man Up, Herbal Vigor QuickFix, Arize, O.M.G., Gold Vigra, Miraculous Evil Root, Zhen Gong Fu,GoldReallas, Full Throttle On Demand, 3 Hard Knights, Eyeful, Liu BianLi, MV5 Days, S.W.A.G., Weekend Warrior, Bali Mojo, Jinquiangbudor RedDragon, Vimax, Tiger King, SexRx, Best Whips, CONTROL, Alpha Male,ExtenZe, Vitalikor Fast Acting, Clalis, Exten 1300, MVP Mega, MaxTremeZen, Get It Up, Nights To Remember, Bullet Proof, Vicerex, Sex Plus,Affirm XL, Libido Sexual Enhancer, Kaboom Action Strips, and X-Rock. Theamount of such component(s) can vary depending on the potency and modeof action. In general, such compounds enable men to achieve and maintainan erection by increasing blood flow to the genital region. For reasonsthat may not be well-understood, they also aid women when combined withcannabinoid compounds as disclosed herein, which is a surprising andunexpected result (i.e., since they typically have no effect on womenwhen used alone).

While enabling sexual activity can, by itself, increase sexual pleasure,response-enhancing components do not enhance sexual pleasure per se(e.g., in a perfectly healthy man who does not suffer from erectiledysfunction, the use of response-enhancing drugs does not significantlyaffect the pleasure of the sexual act, including climax). They maysimply provide the fun and novelty of longer-lasting and/or quickerthreshold erections. Similarly, while cannabinoids can make a person“high” and therefore more relaxed and uninhibited, they are also knownto diminish sexual response and performance, particularly in men. Insome cases, they can prevent achieving or maintaining an erection. Inother cases, they can unnecessarily prolong or prevent climax.Unexpectedly, however, it has now been found that combining one or moreresponse-enhancing components with one or more pleasure-enhancingcomponents optimizes the beneficial effects of both while offsetting oreliminating the negative effects. This greatly enhances the overallsexual experience.

Even more unexpectedly, combining one or more response-enhancingcomponents with one or more pleasure-enhancing components can providethe elusive aphrodisiac (or “Spanish fly”) that has been the subject ofmyth and lore but not actually achieved in reality. Unlike men, in whichsexual activity is predominately (and logistically) physical andsecondarily psychological, women can technically engage in sexualactivity whether or not they care to or are the least bit aroused. Assuch, sexual pleasure is more complicated in women and is as much ormore psychological as it is physical. For this reason, in both humansand animals, sexual activity is typically initiated by males rather thanfemales. The pharmaceutical preparations disclosed herein can shift thisbalance and give women more initial threshold desire as well as actualsexual pleasure, which inure to the benefit of both women and theirsexual partners. Without being bound to any particular theory, it ispostulated that increasing blood flow to the genital region of women,while not itself having been proven to improve either sexual pleasure orsexual response, increases the effects of the cannabinoid compounds,both physically and psychologically so that, when used together, theysynergistically act together to provide increased sexual pleasure andresponse as compared to when using either alone.

Additional supplements that can improve sexual pleasure and/or responsein men and women include ginseng, ginseng, ginko biloba, yohimbe, andhorny goat weed.

The pharmaceutical preparations can have a variety of different modes ofdelivery, which can be gender-specific or otherwise tailored for thespecific needs or desires of the patient. According to an embodiment,the pharmaceutical preparation can be designed as a topical (e.g.,massage oils, scented lotions, gels, creams, lubricants, vaginal patch).Alternatively or in addition, they can be formulated for ingestion(e.g., oral drops, capsules, tablets, and food preparations).Alternatively, they can be formulated for inhalation (e.g., by avaporizer). In general, extraction of cannabinoids and then deliverywithout combustion can provide superior results compared to smoking weedand ingesting an ED drug. Combustion destroys a significant quantity ofcannabinoid compounds and can change their ratios, which makes properdosing difficult. Smoking weed and ingesting an ED drug also suffersfrom the inability to control the timing of each, since smoking causesalmost instantaneous high while ingesting an ED drug takes time for thebody to metabolize. The result can be premature cannabinoid effect, withdelayed blood-flow increasing effect coupled with reduced cannabinoideffect when it is desirable for both to be maximized. Delivering boththe pleasure-enhancing and performance-enhancing components in a singlepreparation and/or in the same manner can better control dosing andtiming.

EXAMPLES

For purposes of the following examples, sexual pleasure and sexualresponse are assigned a value on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being thelowest and 10 being the highest. Three categories in men were measured:hardness of erection on a scale of 1 to 10; sensitivity on a scale of 1to 10; and strength of orgasm on a scale of 1 to 10. Three categories inwomen are measured: threshold desire on a scale of 1 to 10; sensitivityon a scale of 1 to 10; and strength of orgasm on a scale of 1 to 10.

Example 1

The subject was a 41 year old male. The marijuana strain used to providethe cannabinoid compounds was AK-47 hybrid strain. The marijuana wasdelivered orally using an edible. The marijuana plant parts (mostlyleaves and buds) were ground up and simmered in vegetable oil for 3hours to extract cannabinoid compounds and then strained. Thecannabinoid infused oil was assumed to contain roughly the same ratio ofTHC to CBD in the plant parts (as well as other cannabinoids in theplant parts).

The infused oil was used in place of the oil called for in normalpreparation of brownies per instructions. The cannabinoid infused oilwas blended in an amount of ¼ ounce per 18 ounce fudge brownie mix.Brownies containing the extracted cannabinoid compounds were preparedfrom the mixed batter by placing into a small cake pan (6 in²) andbaking in an oven according to instructions. A small pan of brownies wascut up into 3 inch squares.

The subject ingested two brownies and one XZEN pill. The subject startednoticing the effects of both after about 1 hour and commenced sexualactivity with a female partner shortly thereafter. The subject was ableto obtain and maintain a hard erection, and sensitivity and pleasureduring sex were increased. The subject was able to last longer thanusual and, in this case, sex lasted about 30 minutes. At theculmination, ejaculation was very intense. The statistics were (on ascale of 1 to 10): hardness of erection: 9; sensitivity: 8; strength oforgasm: 10.

The female partner weighed less than the male subject and ingested onecannabinoid infused brownie square and also experienced heightenedsensitivity (8) and pleasure during the sexual activity, which wasattributed to reduced anxiety and inhibition and increased thresholddesire. The female did not ingest any blood flow enhancements. It ispostulated that the female partner would further benefit from combiningingestion of the cannabinoid edible with a component that increasesblood flow to the female genital region in order to increase thresholddesire (e.g., 8 as a result of swelling and thickening of the clitorisand labia), as well as more intense orgasm (e.g., 8) as a result of thecombined psychological and physiological effects of ingesting both thepleasure-enhancing and performance-enhancing component.

Example 2

The subject was a 70 year old male. The marijuana strain used to providethe cannabinoid compounds was AK-47. The cannabinoid compounds wereextracted by simmering ¼ ounce of marijuana in 1 cup avocado oil to makebutter. The subject spread approximately 1 tablespoon of the butter ontotoast and then ingested the toast and one XZEN pill on an empty stomach.After 45 minutes the subject felt some flushing and effects of thecannabinoid compounds.

After one hour the subject had a hard erection and proceeded to have sexwith a female partner of similar age. The sex lasted an amazing 2 hoursand the subject was able to ejaculate 5 times within that time span,which would be remarkable for a young man but in this case the subjectwas a 70 year old man. The statistics were (on a scale of 1 to 10):hardness of erection: 10; sensitivity: 9; strength of orgasm: 9. Thisexample exemplifies the benefit to an older man of using cannabinoidswith a higher ratio of THC:CBD (at least 2:1). The subject's opinion wasthat the sex was like being a young man all over again (“21 again”), andhis overall mood in general improved dramatically (demeanor anddisposition), which was another unexpected benefit.

The female partner did not ingest any enhancements. However, it ispostulated that the female partner would benefit from ingesting thepreparations disclosed herein and experience increased threshold desire(8), heightened sensitivity and pleasure (8), and more powerful orgasm(8).

Example 3

The subject was a 41 year old male. The marijuana strain used to providethe cannabinoid compounds was Blueberry kush. The marijuana wasdelivered orally using an edible. The marijuana plant parts (mostlyleaves and buds) were ground up and simmered in vegetable oil for 3hours to extract cannabinoid compounds and then strained. Thecannabinoid infused oil was assumed to contain roughly the same ratio ofTHC to CBD in the plant parts (as well as other cannabinoids in theplant parts).

The infused oil was used in place of the oil called for in normalpreparation of brownies per instructions. The cannabinoid infused oilwas blended in an amount of ¼ ounce per 18 ounce fudge brownie mix.Brownies containing the extracted cannabinoid compounds were preparedfrom the mixed batter by placing into a small cake pan (6 in²) andbaking in an oven according to instructions. A small pan of brownies wascut up into 3 inch squares.

The subject ingested two brownies and one XZen pill. The subject startednoticing the effects of both after about 1 hour and commenced sexualactivity shortly thereafter. The subject was able to maintain a harderection and sensitivity was increased. The subject was able to lastlonger and sex lasted about 45 minutes with a female partner.Ejaculation was very intense. The subject was thereafter able to achieveanother erection after 30 minutes and commenced sexual activity again,which lasted about 30 minutes, and was able to achieve a second orgasm.The statistics were (on a scale of 1 to 10): hardness of erection: 9;sensitivity: 8; strength of orgasm: 9. This example, as compared toExample 1, demonstrates the beneficial effects for a relatively young,healthy man when using a cannabinoid having a more balanced ratio of THCto CBD (which was closer to 1:1 than in Example 1 and possibly less1:1), relative to the ability to last longer.

The female partner ingested one cannabinoid infused brownie square andalso experienced heightened sensitivity and pleasure (8) during thesexual activity, which was attributed to reduced anxiety and inhibitionand increased threshold desire. The female did not ingest any blood flowenhancements. It is postulated that the female partner would furtherbenefit from combining ingestion of the cannabinoid edible with acomponent that increases blood flow to the female genital region inorder to increase threshold desire (e.g., 8 as a result of swelling andthickening of the clitoris and labia), as well as more intense orgasm(8) as a result of the combined psychological and physiological effectsof ingesting both the pleasure-enhancing and performance-enhancingcomponent.

Example 4

The subject was a 70 year old male. The marijuana strain used to providethe cannabinoid compounds was Blueberry kush. The cannabinoid compoundswere extracted by simmering ¼ ounce of marijuana in 1 cup avocado oil tomake butter. The subject spread approximately 1 tablespoon of the butteronto toast and then ingested the toast and one XZEN pill on an emptystomach. After 45 minutes the subject felt some flushing and effects ofthe cannabinoid compounds.

After one hour the subject had a hard erection and proceeded to have sexwith a female partner of similar age. The sex lasted 2 hours and thesubject was able to ejaculate 3 times within that time span. Thestatistics were (on a scale of 1 to 10): hardness of erection: 10;sensitivity: 9; strength of orgasm: 9. This example demonstrated thatwhile a clear benefit was obtained by the subject ingesting a balancedratio of THC:CBD, the results were not quite as dramatic as Example 2,in which the subject ingested a higher ratio of THC:CBD and was able toachieve 5 orgasms instead of 3.

The female partner did not ingest any enhancements. However, it ispostulated that the female partner would benefit from ingesting thepreparations disclosed herein and experience increased threshold desire(8), heightened sensitivity and pleasure (8), and more powerful orgasm(8).

Example 5

A 50 year old male ingested a single brownie prepared according toExample 3 and one XZen pill. The subject felt the effects of bothcomponents and was able to achieve an erection more quickly and maintainit longer. The subject engaged in sexual activities with a femalepartner within about 1-2 hours of ingestion lasting about 30 minutes.The subject had an erection of about an 8, heightened sensitivity ofabout 8; and a more intense orgasm of about 8. It is postulated that themale subject might have benefited more using the higher THC:CBDpreparation and/or ingesting an increased quantity of the edible.

The female partner did not ingest any enhancements. However, it ispostulated that the female partner would benefit from ingesting thepreparations disclosed herein and experience increased threshold desire(8), heightened sensitivity and pleasure (8), and more powerful orgasm(8).

Example 6

The subject is a 22 year old male who is provided with an infused ediblemade according to any of the foregoing Examples. The subject is strongand virile but prone to premature ejaculation. The subject ingests theinfused edible together with a component that increases blood flow tothe genital region (e.g., XZen or Viagra®). After 20-30 minutes thesubject has a hard erection and proceeds to have sex with a partner.When using an edible with high THC:CBD ratio, the sex is brief (about1-3 minutes) but intense. The statistics are (on a scale of 1 to 10):hardness of erection: 10; sensitivity: 8; strength of orgasm: 8.

Alternatively, the subject ingests a cannabinoid infused edible having ahigher ratio of CBD:THC and experiences the same quality of erection,sensitivity, and strength of orgasm but is able to last much longer thanusual (e.g., 15-45 minutes), which greatly boosts the subject'sconfidence when engaging in sexual activities with others. Due to thesubject's age, he is able to achieve multiple orgasms with fast orimmediate recovery between ejaculations.

This example demonstrates that, while a clear benefit is obtained by thesubject ingesting a high ratio of THC:CBD, the results are objectivelymuch better when the subject ingests a much lower ratio of THC:CBD (orhigher ratio of CBD:THC). It is postulated that a more balanced ratio ofTHC:CBD would provide an intermediate benefit between the extremesdescribed herein.

Example 7

The subject is a 21 year old female who is provided with an infusededible made according to any of the foregoing Examples. The subject ishealthy but inexperienced and nervous when engaging in sexual activity,which decreases threshold desire, pleasure and fulfillment, and makes itdifficult or impossible for the subject to achieve orgasm. The subjectingests the infused edible together with a component that increasesblood flow to the genital region (e.g., XZen for Women or part of aViagra®). After about 1 hour the subject feels flushing and the effectsof the cannabinoid compounds, including increased swelling of the vulvaand nipples which, although largely physiological, combine with theenhanced psychological effects of excitement and decreased anxietyprovided by the infused edible to increase threshold desire (e.g., 9).

When the subject ingests an edible containing a high THC:CBD ratio, thesubject may be more physically aggressive but might still havedifficulty achieving orgasm regularly. It is postulated that a higherCBD:THC ratio would provide a calming effect that permits deeperpsychological appreciation and enjoyment of sexual activity, leading tomore reliable and fulfilling orgasms. Depending on the woman, anintermediate TCD:CBD ratio may be sufficiently calming, yet moreexcitatory so as to promote quicker and/or multiple orgasms.

Example 8

A 25 year old female subject is provided with an infused edible madeaccording to any of the foregoing Examples. The subject ingests theinfused edible together with a component that increases blood flow tothe genital region (e.g., XZen for Women or part of a Viagra®). Afterabout 1 hour the subject feels flushing and the effects of thecannabinoid compounds, including increased swelling of the vulva andnipples which, although largely physiological, combine with the enhancedpsychological effects of excitement and decreased anxiety provided bythe infused edible to increase threshold desire.

After one hour the subject commences sexual activity with a 41 year oldmale partner. The subject experiences heightened sensitivity (9) andpleasure and is able to climax more quickly and more powerfully (9) thanusual. Depending on the endurance of her male sex partner, the femalesubject is able to achieve multiple orgasms as a result of the increasedphysiological and psychological awareness and sensitivities provided bythe combined use of pleasure-enhancing and performance-enhancingcomponents. Because of the female subject's age (25) and sexualconfidence, it is postulated that the subject would, like the 41 yearold subject of Examples 1 and 3, benefit from an edible having abalanced THC:CBD ratio.

Example 9

A 68 year old female subject of normal sexual experience and activityfor her age is provided with an infused edible made according to any ofthe foregoing Examples. The subject ingests the infused edible togetherwith a component that increases blood flow to the genital region (e.g.,XZen for Women or part of a Viagra®). After about 1 hour the subjectfeels flushing and the effects of the cannabinoid compounds, includingincreased swelling of the vulva and nipples which, although largelyphysiological, combine with the enhanced psychological effects ofexcitement and decreased anxiety provided by the infused edible toincrease threshold desire.

After one hour the subject commences sexual activity with a male partnerof similar age. The subject experiences high threshold desire (7),heightened sensitivity (9) and is able to climax more quickly and morepowerfully (9) than usual. Depending on the endurance of her male sexpartner, the female subject is able to achieve multiple orgasms as aresult of the increased physiological and psychological awareness andsensitivities provided by the combined use of pleasure-enhancing andperformance-enhancing components. Because of the female subject's age(68), it is postulated that the subject would, like the 70 year oldsubject of Examples 2 and 4, benefit more from an edible having a higherTHC:CBD ratio.

Example 10

A 45 year old female subject is provided with an infused edible madeaccording to any of the foregoing Examples. The subject ingests theinfused edible together with a component that increases blood flow tothe genital region (e.g., XZen for Women or part of a Viagra®). Afterabout 1 hour the subject feels flushing and the effects of thecannabinoid compounds, including increased swelling of the vulva andnipples which, although largely physiological, combine with the enhancedpsychological effects of excitement and decreased anxiety provided bythe infused edible to increase threshold desire (9).

After one hour the subject commences sexual activity with a male partnerof similar age. The subject experiences heightened sensitivity (9) andpleasure and is able to climax more quickly and more powerfully (9) thanusual. Depending on the endurance of her male sex partner, the femalesubject is able to achieve multiple orgasms as a result of the increasedphysiological and psychological awareness and sensitivities provided bythe combined use of pleasure-enhancing and performance-enhancingcomponents. Because of the female subject's age (45), it is postulatedthat the subject would, like the 50 year old subject of Example 5,benefit more from an edible having a higher THC:CBD ratio and/oringesting a higher quantity of edible having a balanced THC:CBD ratio.

Example 11

A 70 year old female subject who rarely engages in sexual activitybecause of lost desire and pleasure is provided with an infused ediblemade according to any of the foregoing Examples. The subject ingests theinfused edible together with a component that increases blood flow tothe genital region (e.g., XZen for Women or part of a Viagra®). Afterabout 1 hour the subject feels flushing and the effects of thecannabinoid compounds, including increased swelling of the vulva andnipples which, although largely physiological, combine with the enhancedpsychological effects of excitement and decreased anxiety provided bythe infused edible to increase threshold desire (7 or 8).

After one hour the subject commences sexual activity with a male partnerof similar age. The subject experiences heightened sensitivity (7 or 8)and pleasure and is able to achieve climax (6 or 7), perhaps for thefirst time in a long time or ever. Depending on the endurance of hermale sex partner, the female subject is able to achieve multiple orgasmsas a result of the increased physiological and psychological awarenessand sensitivities provided by the combined use of pleasure-enhancing andperformance-enhancing components. Because of the female subject's age(70), it is postulated that the subject might, like the 70 year oldsubject of Examples 2 and 4, benefit more from an edible having a higherTHC:CBD ratio.

Example 12

Any of the foregoing examples is modified by providing at least one ofthe components (e.g., pleasure-enhancing component) in a preparationthat can delivered by inhalation. Examples include, for example, avaporizer that heats one or more components of the pharmaceuticalpreparation with water to provide a vapor that carries the components ofinterest and can be inhaled. The temperature and/or selection ofvaporizing liquids can affect the concentration and/or ratio ofcannabinoids delivered to the user.

Example 13

Any of the foregoing examples is modified by providing at least one ofthe components (e.g., pleasure-enhancing component) in a topicalpreparation that can be applied to any region of the body able torapidly absorb the active components. Examples include, for example, thegenital and/or anal regions of men and women.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or essential characteristics. The describedembodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrativeand not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicatedby the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. Allchanges which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of theclaims are to be embraced within their scope.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of treating erectile dysfunction in ahuman in need thereof consisting essentially of: a) orally administeringby ingestion which is not smoking to said human in need thereof atherapeutically effective amount of a cannabis extract consistingessentially of at least one of tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol; andb) orally administering by ingestion which is not smoking to said humanin need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a sexual responsecomponent selected from the group consisting of sildenafil, tadalafil,and vardenafil which effectively treats said erectile dysfunction insaid human in need thereof.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein thecannabis extract contains about 10-500 mg of tetrahydrocannabinol. 3.The method of claim 1, wherein the cannabis extract contains about10-250 mg of tetrahydrocannabinol.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein thecannabis extract contains about 10-500 mg of cannabidiol.
 5. The methodof claim 1, wherein the cannabis extract contains about 10-250 mg ofcannabidiol.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the cannabis extractconsists essentially of tetrahydrocannabinol, and/or cannabidiol, andone of cannabinol, tetrahydrocannabivarin, cannabigerol, dronabinol, ornabilone.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the cannabis extract isadministered as an infused edible.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein thecannabis extract is administered as an oral drop.
 9. The method of claim1, wherein said sexual response component is sildenafil.
 10. The methodof claim 1, wherein the cannabis extract is administered as a capsule ortablet.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein said sexual responsecomponent is tadalafil.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the sexualresponse component is administered as a capsule or tablet.
 13. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the sexual response component is vardenafil.14. The method of claim 1, further consisting essentially of orallyadministering by ingestion which is not smoking to said human asupplement selected from the group consisting of L-arginine, ginseng,gingko biloba, yohimbe, horny goat weed, and combinations thereof.
 15. Amethod of treating erectile dysfunction in a human in need thereofconsisting essentially of: a) orally administering by ingestion which isnot smoking to said human in need thereof a therapeutically effectiveamount of a cannabis extract consisting essentially oftetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol; and b) orally administering byingestion which is not smoking to said human in need thereof atherapeutically effective amount of a sexual response component selectedfrom the group consisting of sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil whicheffectively treats said erectile dysfunction in said human in needthereof.
 16. The method of claim 15, further consisting essentially oforally administering by ingestion which is not smoking to said human asupplement selected from the group consisting of L-arginine, ginseng,gingko biloba, yohimbe, horny goat weed, and combinations thereof.
 17. Amethod of treating erectile dysfunction in a human in need thereofconsisting essentially of: a) orally administering by ingestion which isnot smoking to said human in need thereof a therapeutically effectiveamount of a cannabis extract consisting essentially of about 10-500 mgof at least one of tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol; and b) orallyadministering by ingestion which is not smoking to said human in needthereof a therapeutically effective amount of a sexual responsecomponent selected from the group consisting of sildenafil, tadalafil,and vardenafil which effectively treats said erectile dysfunction insaid human in need thereof.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein saidsexual response component is sildenafil or vardenafil.
 19. The method ofclaim 17, further consisting essentially of orally administering byingestion which is not smoking to said human a supplement selected fromthe group consisting of L-arginine, ginseng, gingko biloba, yohimbe,horny goat weed, and combinations thereof.
 20. The method of claim 17,wherein the cannabis extract consists essentially oftetrahydrocannabinol, and/or cannabidiol, and one of cannabinol,tetrahydrocannabivarin, cannabigerol, dronabinol, or nabilone.